Frequently asked questions

Curtains and drapes are essentially the same thing in New Zealand. The terms are sometimes used differently overseas, where drapes may refer specifically to fully lined, floor-length window treatments. Here we use curtains to mean all hanging window fabrics, whether they're sheer, lined, or blockout. However, knowing which look is right in your space is something your consultant helps you get right, first time.

The cost depends on the fabric, lining, heading style, and number of windows. Russells offers a range from Essentials fabrics through to Premium and Exclusive options, so there is a solution at most price points. The best way to get an accurate idea of cost is to request a consultation: your consultant comes to you, assesses each room, and gives you a clear quote based on exactly what your home needs. Finance options are also available through Q-card, Gem, and Afterpay.

Custom curtains are made to your exact window measurements, so they fit and hang correctly every time. Readymade curtains are a faster and more affordable option for standard-sized windows and can be a good choice when furnishing multiple rooms on a budget. For rooms where the look really matters, or for windows of any unusual size or shape, custom is the better long-term investment. Your local consultant can advise on which approach makes sense for each window in your home.

Most curtain fabrics are not well suited to bathrooms because of moisture and humidity. If curtains are used in a bathroom, choose a synthetic or blend fabric that resists mould, and keep them away from direct water exposure. For most bathrooms, a blind is a more practical primary solution. PVC venetians and mould-resistant roller blinds are both strong choices. Your consultant can advise on the right combination for your bathroom.

Kitchens are a challenging environment for curtains due to steam, cooking odours, and proximity to heat sources. If curtains are preferred, choose a fabric that is easy to wash, avoids polyester (which absorbs odours and is flammable near heat), and hangs well clear of hobs. A light, simple treatment works better in a kitchen than a heavily lined curtain. In many cases a roller blind or PVC venetian is a more practical solution. Your consultant will recommend the best approach for your kitchen layout.

Wherever you live in New Zealand, we’re there too. While our blind factory and sewing studio are based in the South Island, our style consultants visit homes nationwide.

We are a mobile curtain and blind company, so we come to you. Our style consultants have vans that are stocked with lots of samples which they bring to your home for you to choose from.

Yes. No matter where you live, we can come to you.

We service all of the Greater Auckland region and beyond. Because we are a mobile curtain and blind company, we come to you no matter where you live. See our process

This is the first step in our process. Our style consultants visit your home (at a time you’ve arranged to be convenient) with a van full of samples. They’ll help you choose which products you need and what materials you’d like them made of. Your style consultant will also measure your windows so we can prepare an estimate for you.

A style consultant will still visit you at a time and place convenient to you and the process will be as normal with an estimated cost provided based on your plans. Book a consultation

Yes. We can guide you through your choices and how to take basic measurements of your windows so we can give you an initial price estimate. However, we will need to visit at some point to confirm those measurements.

No, we do that for you as part of your style consultation. See our process.

Every order is unique so it’s difficult to give a definite answer. From the time you accept your quote it can take from 4-8 weeks. It can depend on the product you have chosen and what you’d like them made from. Some fabrics we have in ready supply while others will take a little longer as they are ordered in especially for you.

No, we do it all for you. Our team of professionals install your curtains and blinds to ensure they fit and operate just right.

Yes, we are very experienced across many industries and have successfully delivered on large corporate contracts. Please contact our commercial team to discuss you needs. Get in touch today.

Yes, all our curtains and most of our blinds are manufactured by us at Russells in our Nelson sewing room and blind factory. Only our honeycomb blinds and shutters are made by manufacturers we have chosen as specialist partners who meet our quality standards.

Yes. Please check our latest offers for finance terms and conditions from Gem Visa and Q Mastercard. See offers

Yes, we have a wide range of quality readymade curtains available for you to choose from. See our range.

Yes, we have a wide range of quality readymade blinds available for you to choose from. See our range.

To keep your window furnishings looking great and functioning well, we have created this handy guide, which explains how to take the best care of your curtains and blinds. View guide here.

Yes, we repair curtains and blinds, but only products that were originally bought through Russells. Depending on your region and installer availability, some repairs can be done on-site or at a local lockup. More technical repairs and alterations come back to our factories in Nelson. If your product is still under warranty, the repair may be covered; if it's out of warranty, charges apply for the van call-out, installer time, parts, shipping, and factory labour. Get in touch and we'll talk you through it.

No. We specialise in interior window furnishings like curtains, blinds and shutters. Insect screens are not currently part of our range.

We don't offer a cleaning service for curtains or blinds. We also don't recommend washing any of our curtains, not even dry cleaning; spot cleaning is best. For the full details, take a look at our Product Care Guide.